Let the journey begin.

EmpowerHer 2026: “From resilience to renaissance”

This year, EmpowerHer invites the world to witness a transformation already happening around us: women turning challenges into innovation, creativity, and leadership.

Across the world and especially within diaspora communities women continue to rise, not only surviving adversity but reshaping it into something powerful, this with their strong allies. Their resilience is undeniable… but their renaissance is unstoppable.

Diaspora women are more than symbols of strength. They are innovators, cultural shapers, community builders, and visionaries who breathe new life into industries, stories, and movements. They turn barriers into bridges, and lived experiences into leadership.

This year, we celebrate the shifts:

- from enduring to creating

- from being overlooked to leading boldly

- from resilience… to renaissance.

EmpowerHer 2026 is your invitation to step into this movement to learn, to be inspired, to connect, and to rise with a community that believes in collective power and shared growth. If you are ready to be transformed…If you are ready to be inspired…If you are ready to walk into your own renaissance… Join us on February 27 & 28, 2026.

RSVP

What to expect…

On 28th February 2026,
To be revealed soon…

In alignment with the theme “From resilience to renaissance”, partners and experts come together to exchange ideas and expand.
A safe space created for personal growth, these workshops highlighting the idea of healing, renewal, and flourishing after challenges, inviting participants to nurture both inner and outer growth.
A dynamic space for organisations, businesses, and institutions seeking to engage with women from diverse background. Brand awareness, finding talents, presenting a creative projects or raising awareness on a charity initiative…the buzzing marketplace is the ressource space for women and their allies.

On 27th February 2026,
Webster Vienna Private University, Palais Wenkheim

Words and remarks from distinguished figures in Vienna. From women leaders to allies in the movement, their words and presence underscores the significance of EmpowerHer.
Inspiring stories and motivational talks from three remarkable who embody resilience, ambition, and transformation.
Three outstanding women are crowned and honoured for their exceptional contributions in Vienna as a results of votes by the community. The awards celebrated women's dedication and impact across three key categories: Creative Innovation, Community Impact, Entrepreneurial Trailblazers.
Connect, build bridges and inspire change with the presented networking cocktail where the audience and the speakers bond.

EMPOWERHER AWARD 2026

The Empower Her Awards celebrate extraordinary women shaping Africa’s future.
The Creative Innovation Award honors a woman using creativity to drive change in culture and the arts. The Community Impact Award recognizes a woman leading social initiatives that uplift and empower her community. The Entrepreneurial Trailblazer Award celebrates a visionary entrepreneur building success while inspiring others.

Nominate or vote for 2026

Inspiring change, building bridges

Margaret Akullo, Mentor

Margaret Akullo is a Ugandan diasporan woman whose global career reflects the spirit of resilience and renewal at the heart of EmpowerHer 2026. With more than 30 years of experience in international development, criminal justice reform, and leadership mentoring, she has supported institutions and individuals to design solutions that create meaningful, lasting change…
Lynette Penkner, Founder

Lynette is a multi-passionate entrepreneur building across climate tech, regenerative systems, and resilient travel to create solutions that actually move the needle. Across her ventures, one theme is consistent: she helps people and places thrive by aligning nature, local communities, and business innovation. What sets her apart? She builds businesses the same way she builds teams with purpose, heart, and decisive action…
Wemimo, Artist

The Viennese based Singer / Songwriter of Yoruba heritage is an artist of multiple talents. Wemimo studied Musical Theatre in Vienna (Austria) and began her years of extensive experience working internationally (as a vocalist, rapper, dancer, actress, moderator, painter and model). Wemi’s first releases debuted as lyricist and lead vocalist in the hip-hop/ rock band Almost Famous, with songs like “ Purple Soul” (2021)...
Marie Spaemann, Singer/Songwriter | holistic breathing Coach

The musical journey of cellist and singer/songwriter Marie Spaemann is shaped by an active and varied concert schedule as well as a fascination and curiosity for the diversity of the creative process and contemplative approaches to music making…
Ravali, Yoga

Over time, through her own journey of unlearning and remembering, Ravali began to understand the depth and complexity of this tradition. Time spent learning with monks and teachers in the Himalayas continues to shape how she share yoga today not as a collection of techniques, but as a practice of presence, care, and coming home to oneself.

Learn more about the speakers

Wellness, nurturing inner & outer growth

Wellbeing workshop 1 - "Renaissance Yoga: Flow into Renewal"

Gentle yoga session blending movement, breathwork, and affirmations of resilience. Releasing tension and creating space for growth; rising from the mat as a metaphor for women’s renaissance.
Wellbeing workshop 2 - “Healing & Empowerment Through Theatre”

Interactive session to help overcome personal fears through performance, develop emotional intelligence, including empathy, self-awareness, and effective nonverbal communication. Nurture creativity, boost confidence, and promote self-expression.
Wellbeing workshop 3: "Breathing for Resilience"

Deep relaxation, meditation breathwork, mindfulness, helping participants let go of emotions
Wellbeing workshop 4 - "Beauty in Resilience: Self-Care as Empowerment"

Hands-on mini-workshop with natural skincare/wellness rituals. Reframing beauty as self-love and resilience; rediscovering beauty in everyday rituals, inspired by African traditions.